An airport hotel with free shuttle service and an on-site restaurant

Guests liked this hotel's proximity to the Thunder Bay Expy and to the airport

Guests liked the food in the on-site restaurant

Cons

Guests complained about cigarette smoke odours

A number of guests were bothered by noise from guests in neighbouring rooms

Aging decor, according to guests

Freebies

Free Wi-Fi

Free Shuttle

Free Parking

Rooms

Adults

Kids

Kids' Ages

Editor's Analysis

Updated Sep 28, 2012

Overview

Located a 4-minute drive from Thunder Bay International Airport and about a minute's drive to the Thunder Bay Expy (Hwy 61, a major artery through Thunder Bay), this hotel is popular with air travellers who seek accommodation near the airport, or with guests who want to be close to a major highway.

All of the 153 rooms at this hotel have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a hair dryer, a coffeemaker and an iron and ironing board. Guests can choose from standard rooms (queen beds with a sofabed or two double beds) or suites, which have a king bed, a jacuzzi, a fireplace and a dining table. Pets are permitted for a cost of $10/night.

Renovations to guest rooms and the lobby have been ongoing for several months and are expected to be completed in early October 2012.

Guests can dine on site at the River Rock Bar & Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, or unwind with a drink and lighter fare in the River Rock Lounge. There is also a selection of restaurants within about a 5-minute walk. On-site amenities include free parking, a gym, a hot tub, a sauna and an indoor pool. Guests are also offered a complimentary shuttle to the airport.

Shopping is nearby at the Thunder Bay Mall (an 11-minute walk). The downtown Thunder Bay area is a 6-minute drive away, while Lakehead University is a 10-minute drive away. Fort William Historical Park (a re-creation of the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trader) is an 11-minute drive away from the hotel. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)

Based on the reviews used for this analysis, guests generally had a good experience at this hotel, and much of that could be attributed to the hotel's location and to the convenience of its airport shuttle.

Location was a major draw for a number of guests who appreciated this hotel's proximity to the airport and to the Thunder Bay Expy. Shopping and restaurants were also nearby, according to guests, and many said that this hotel was easy to find.

A number of air travellers appreciated the convenience of the frequent, free airport shuttle.

A few guests liked the on-site restaurant and said that while the menu was small, it offered interesting, tasty choices.

While many of the reviews used for this analysis were positive, guests did commonly complain about a few things, including odours in the rooms and noisy neighbours.

A few guests complained of cigarette smoke odours in rooms that had been designated as non-smoking.

A number of guests were bothered by noise from guests in neighbouring rooms, including ringing phones and conversations. Guests suggested that more needed to be done to soundproof. A few guests were bothered by noise from the nearby airport.

Although the hotel is currently undergoing renovations (to be completed in early October 2012), guests said that the rooms were badly in need of updating, singling out furniture, carpets, linens and draperies.

A few guests suggested that greater detail needed to be taken with cleaning throughout the hotel. Guests mentioned dirty rooms and dirt in the pool area.